Denis Durantou

Denis Durantou is one of the most emblematic figures on Bordeaux's Right Bank. In just a few decades, he has resurrected his family's estate, which is now one of Pomerol's must-haves. After long months battling illness, he finally passed away in May 2020. But the passion and know-how he bequeathed will hopefully live on for a long time to come!

Clinet Church's centenary legacy

Château l'Église Clinet was created in 1882 by Denis Durantou's great-great-grandfather. The family had in fact been farming a number of vineyard plots in the Clos de l'Église as well as in the Clinet estate for over a century.

For several generations, the owners succeeded one another, more or less directly linked to the family. No single episode of splendor really inspired the direct successors to take over. Denis Durantou recounts that his vocation came to him at the age of 9, after his grandfather gave him a bottle of the 1929 château to taste: an exceptional moment. In 1982, he signed his first vintage, and never again left the château's vineyards.

An exceptional terroir in the hands of a perfectionist

With modern techniques in the vineyard and brand-new cellars, the château is finally getting the boost it needed. The en primeur tasting of the 1998 wines finally marked the breakthrough the château had been waiting for, both in France and internationally. From then on, the critics flocked to the estate's doorstep, and Durantou's genius was universally acclaimed. A passionate perfectionist, Denis put all his life and energy into his work, year after year.

Although confidential, it has to be said that the terroir he inherited is particularly favorable to vine-growing: sloping, well-drained clay-gravel soils and good exposure of the hillsides. The grape varieties planted on the 4 ha of vines are rather classic for Bordeaux's right bank: 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Most of these are old vines. The vineyard is run using integrated farming methods, producing exceptional wines similar to those of its illustrious neighbor, Château Pétrus.

Denis Durantou wines

Bordeaux wines are recognizable by their power, woodiness and great ageing potential. The Right Bank, where Château l'Église Clinet is located, is characterized by greater suppleness and notable fruitiness, due to the greater proportion of Merlot in the blends.

The estate's two cuvées bear the Pomerol AOC label and are elegant representations of it. Power and voluptuousness mingle with aromas of truffle, oak and blackberry. The Cuvée Château is more expressive and has greater ageing potential than its little sister, La Petite Église. The second wine offers soft notes of red fruit and vanilla. Alternatively, the Lalande-de-Pomerol satellite appellation offers a range of Denis Durantou wines (La Chenade, Saintayme, Montlandrie and Les Cruzelles) that will give you a taste of his genius at more affordable prices.